Eau Claire (WQOW) – Thursday jazz band musicians from an Eau Claire high school had the opportunity to jam with, and learn from, an award winning artist.

Keith Karns is a UW-Eau Claire alum and is in town this week to perform with and teach high school students. Thursday he was at North High School. Karns graduated from the university in 2008 and has since won awards for his compositions.

He's currently based in Dallas and teaches at the University of North Texas. He also plays trumpet in a number of commercial groups across the south.

Karns is also a guest of the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra. He'll be performing with them as well as students from North and McDonnell Central Catholic Friday night at the State Theater.

"When I came to Eau Claire I was really developing as a musician. I was developing as an adult for the first time. My wife and I went to college here and so we have a lot of great memories in this town. So every time I get to come back to Eau Claire it's a lot like coming home,” said Karns.

"To get the best of the best in here is an incredible way of getting them to understand what they're capabilities are and what the world has to offer," said North High School Band Director Theresa Soules.

It didn't cost the schools anything to have Karns come to visit. The trip was supported by the CVJO.

Friday night's concert is at 7:30 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend. Tickets cost $20 at the door and are $5 for students.